definitions

utilitarian

[ yoo-til-i-tair-ee-uhn ]
/ yuˌtɪl ɪˈtɛər i ən /
|

adjective

pertaining to or consisting in utility.
having regard to utility or usefulness rather than beauty, ornamentation, etc.
of, relating to, or adhering to the doctrine of utilitarianism.

noun

an adherent of utilitarianism.

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Nearby words

utica, utile, utile dulci, utilicare, utilidor, utilitarian, utilitarianism, utility, utility function, utility man, utility player

Origin of utilitarian

First recorded in 1775–85; utilit(y) + -arian

SYNONYMS FOR utilitarian

2 practical, useful, functional, sensible.

Related forms

an·ti·u·til·i·tar·i·an, adjective, nounnon·u·til·i·tar·i·an, adjective, nounun·u·til·i·tar·i·an, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for non-utilitarian

utilitarian

/ (juːˌtɪlɪˈtɛərɪən) /

adjective

of or relating to utilitarianism
designed for use rather than beauty

noun

a person who believes in utilitarianism
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012